Salaam everyone!

I have just come back from a formal debate at work where the topic was "Islam blasphemy and tolerance". The non-muslims raised some points that our muslim debaters failed to address. We are having another debate next week friday and I would like some help in countering their points. I myself want to debate. We had fools (Allah forgive me for calling my fellow muslim fools) representing us that could only point fingers at the west rather than stay on topic.

So, I will list some of their points;

1) That islam would be banned if they were to have blasphemy laws in the UK. They said that the christians believe in Jesus (PBUH) as a god but muslims reduce him to only a prophet.

2) That islam is intolerant (Alah forgive them) because islam has not coexisted with any other religion in this present time. They ere complaining that in any islamic country, the minority religion suffers.

3) That some of them tried to date women (this is the one that amuses me) that were muslims only to find out that they could not marry the muslim women due to the Quran's stipulation. They were angry that a muslim man is allowed to marry their women. They argue that it is intolerance

4) That islam is against freedom of speech. One non-muslim made the others laugh by saying that Islam is boring that they dont even have proper comedians in islamic countries because one false joke about the religion and they are dead.




I too am questioning my faith as a muslim. The non-muslims in my office really hammered point number 3. I pay my niece's university school fees. If she brings back a british boy from university whom she wants to marry that is not muslim, should I stop her? If the boy doesnt convert, do I really have the right to say that she is not a real muslim for marrying a non-muslim?
The non-muslim workers were bitter about this fact. I had to even caution them as they were saying things like "muslims should stick to only their women that dress like ninja if they dont want us to marry their women"

Yes, they were abusive at times but they had me pondering at this point. Wouldnt the non-muslim feel cheated that someone can freely take his women (assuming they are people of the book) but he cant take theirs?

Please help me counter these point or leave comments. Thank you very much!

AbdulSleek: Salaam everyone!

I have just come back from a formal debate at work where the topic was "Islam blasphemy and tolerance". The non-muslims raised some points that our muslim debaters failed to address. We are having another debate next week friday and I would like some help in countering their points. I myself want to debate. We had fools (Allah forgive me for calling my fellow muslim fools) representing us that could only point fingers at the west rather than stay on topic.

So, I will list some of their points;

1) That islam would be banned if they were to have blasphemy laws in the UK. They said that the christians believe in Jesus (PBUH) as a god but muslims reduce him to only a prophet.

Calling Jesus (as) a prophet is not blasphemy.if they think muslims calling Jesus (as) a prophet and if there are blasphemy laws in the UK,islam would be banned,then the bible too would be banned in the UK (for calling Jesus a prophet)!

Here are places the bible calls Jesus (as) "prophet";and I am yet to see anywhere in the bible Jesus (as) identified himself as "god":

Matthew 21:11
"The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Luke 7:16
"They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."

Luke 24:19
"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people".

John 9:17
"Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."

muslims believing in Jesus (as) as a man and prophet of God is not insult but based on sincere religious belief that can even be found written in the bible calling him "man" (not "god" ) and "prophet".for a reminder early christians were split on the issue of Jesus' nature.it happened the romans adopted what naturally would prevail as the romans held political power.however there is no insult in beliving or disbelieving.non-muslims don't believe in Muhammad (sa) because they're not convinced he's a true prophet of God.and I'm not offended by that.so freedom to believe or disbelieve shouldn't be confused for blasphemy,insult,provocation,slander or defamation.

2) That islam is intolerant (Alah forgive them) because islam has not coexisted with any other religion in this present time. They ere complaining that in any islamic country, the minority religion suffers.

Give them examples of places where Islam was ruling but the other religions remained to this day.

In india,the muslims ruled for centuries but the hindus remained a majority.

In the levant (syria,palestine and lebanon),christianity survived.

In spain,muslims saved the jews from christian anti-semitism.

Now take mozambique,the philippines and spain where christianity took over and muslims suffered persecution.

You can also argue that tolerance is not objective but atimes subjective.people always want to be pleased.and you can't please everyone all times.

3) That some of them tried to date women (this is the one that amuses me) that were muslims only to find out that they could not marry the muslim women due to the Quran's stipulation. They were angry that a muslim man is allowed to marry their women. They argue that it is intolerance

A muslim man is only allowed to marry christian and jewish women alongside muslim women.muslim men cannot marry atheists or hindus.

The woman is the giver and carrier of life.if you take our women then the children would not be hers.

This law isn't meant to please non-muslims.if they don't like it,then they are free too to control their daughters from our boys and they should stay away from our girls.if I'm not mistaken,do jewish women marry non-jews? I doubt.so why all the noise about Islam?

4) That islam is against freedom of speech. One non-muslim made the others laugh by saying that Islam is boring that they dont even have proper comedians in islamic countries because one false joke about the religion and they are dead.

Silly people!

Joke and "freedom" must be exercised responsibly and not with the intention to purposefully offend others under the guise of "joking".

I too am questioning my faith as a muslim. The non-muslims in my office really hammered point number 3. I pay my niece's university school fees. If she brings back a british boy from university whom she wants to marry that is not muslim, should I stop her? If the boy doesnt convert, do I really have the right to say that she is not a real muslim for marrying a non-muslim?

Are you taking care of her to dash her to a non-muslim who in turn will change or influence her life and give you non-muslim children? Well you can accept a non-muslim if you're ready to invest in her for nothing! Marriage is sacred and therefore when you give your niece to a non-muslim,would it be in church or mosque where the wedding would be conducted?

What about their different lifestyles? How would they reconcile? One party or both would have to compromise on their ways.and that is what muslims don't want to subject their daughters to.if non-muslims don't mind,then its their choice.also if non-muslims are really tolerant and open minded why do they find it hard to embrace islam even for the sake of marrying a muslim woman while concealing their disbelief? Abeg they should go and rest.

The non-muslim workers were bitter about this fact. I had to even caution them as they were saying things like "muslims should stick to only their women that dress like ninja if they dont want us to marry their women"

Yes, they were abusive at times but they had me pondering at this point. Wouldnt the non-muslim feel cheated that someone can freely take his women (assuming they are people of the book) but he cant take theirs?

Please help me counter these point or leave comments. Thank you very much!

Doesn't Allah feel cheated by them following falsehood and their desires? No one is forcing anyone to marry anyone.it is by choice.would a church conduct a wedding if the husband is not christian? For the fact that there is a law in islam to the interest of muslims doesn't mean non-muslims do not have a choice or say in who they accept to marry.and also muslims have the choice not to marry.marriage is by consent.so the law is no compulsion.its only a guideline.and finally what right or business does a non-muslim have to dictate how laws should be in islam? Isn't that infringement?

Thank you for your reply.

I agree with many parts but I will adress the small part that I dont agree with soon

@Bbdulsleek:

Salaam everyone!

I have just come back from a formal debate at work where the topic was "Islam blasphemy and tolerance". The non-muslims raised some points that our muslim debaters failed to address. We are having another debate next week friday and I would like some help in countering their points. I myself want to debate. We had fools (Allah forgive me for calling my fellow muslim fools) representing us that could only point fingers at the west rather than stay on topic.

So, I will list some of their points;

1) That islam would be banned if they were to have blasphemy laws in the UK. They said that the christians believe in Jesus (PBUH) as a god but muslims reduce him to only a prophet.[quote]Lagosshia has done humongous job and i will simply add [quote]which is more of a blasphemy, calling a prophet a prophet as we can see from the pages of the bibles or calling God a man, which He is obviously not as the Bible declares? But you christians call Yahweh a man or is Islam calling God less than God? So you see before anyone can ban Islam I all others may have to be ban for a long time before Islam is even on the table for banning. But then you will lead human directionless to God, if you believe He exists and our creation is purposeful

2) That islam is intolerant (Alah forgive them) because islam has not coexisted with any other religion in this present time. They ere complaining that in any islamic country, the minority religion suffers.

Today, though minority, but almost all the moroccan jewry remains without permanent migration to israel, while muslims are made worse than the blacks in the days of south african apartheid. imagine the europe educated by muslims andalusia, etc now complaining about the same Islam that game them the pattern to build oxford university, even cambridge. hindu took over india and began oppressing islam that has allowed them the chance to survive as their ruler of alomost 8 centuries. the jews did not fair better than the hindus in their treatment of the muslim palestinians, and they hate the christians where everyone is a goyim because the are not jews.

3) That some of them tried to date women (this is the one that amuses me) that were muslims only to find out that they could not marry the muslim women due to the Quran's stipulation. They were angry that a muslim man is allowed to marry their women. They argue that it is intolerance

dating is even forbidden in the bibles and christianity as a religion while marriage is encouraged by both. why should the women allow you to sample them in the dating when you are not even ready to marry her? if you are sincere and have acceptable moral code, become what she wants and she will be happy to be your wife and both of you can build a better england that will still continue to lead in the future. would you men allow your sisters to be sampled instead of being married?

4) That islam is against freedom of speech. One non-muslim made the others laugh by saying that Islam is boring that they dont even have proper comedians in islamic countries because one false joke about the religion and they are dead.

freedom of speech does not allow me to make "your mama" statement that is false, even as a friendly and harmless joke. even if i were right about 'your mama', there are something that must be kept filed away in memories only because it will upset the sensibility of others. a case in point, if i see your mother in adultery, i do not have the right to make your father unhappy by making it known to him that his wife is a community property and an untrustworthy of his love. there maybe many things that your father may think about then, including the legitimacy of your carrying his blood. will you even be happy if your father is the one that is under the skirt of every woman when your mother is so dedicated to him, putting him up as the ideal father and mate? yet, Allah, Islam, Quran, Muhammad [sa] each is more important to the muslims than their spouses or even themselves. How then do you provoke the 1.5 Billions among mankind disregarding them?

I too am questioning my faith as a muslim. The non-muslims in my office really hammered point number 3. I pay my niece's university school fees. If she brings back a british boy from university whom she wants to marry that is not muslim, should I stop her? If the boy doesnt convert, do I really have the right to say that she is not a real muslim for marrying a non-muslim?
The non-muslim workers were bitter about this fact. I had to even caution them as they were saying things like "muslims should stick to only their women that dress like ninja if they dont want us to marry their women"

may God help you brother to be firm in His Religion for man. Amin. There are rules of morality that God has laid down for us to follow. He knows us and when we go against His Rules, we have erred according to Him, not because man sees it okay then it is okay. Satan the deceiver do make errors seem good and justified. Your niece should not find it difficult to marry a muslim, when she is ready. In the main time, se.x is not something that she should concentrate on because when its tasted, there is a big struggle to back off from it. If a non muslim boy is interested in her, she needs to tell him that there is a due process which includes being a muslim and be married.

If she is worth it, then there is no difficulty on him at least learning about Islam. Just like those who revert into it, perchance he may like it and wants to keep it. After all, we have seen many military men who married muslim wives after they have entered Islam even during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.


We know non muslim men who became muslim because the woman they are interested in said she cant marry non muslim. Dr. Timi Omokeyinde a native of Ondo grew up in Maryland and now practicing in Dubai. You need to recognize the Authority of your life: Allah The Almighty God, instead of letting mere mortal like those in your office and boy that may be running after your niece who is your responsibility to guide for the good of your family and Pleasure of Allah confuse you.

Yes, they were abusive at times but they had me pondering at this point. Wouldnt the non-muslim feel cheated that someone can freely take his women (assuming they are people of the book) but he cant take theirs?

I will take America any day over England. The non muslim women is not forced and she found goodness in what she accepted. Just because the non muslim women accept marriage proposals from muslim women, being a case by case basis anyways, that should not override the Law of Allah against marrying your daughters to non muslims. You can not force your daughters to marry a particular man and you must not be careless enough that non muslim is her husband.

The issue of marriage arises because Islam is cultural as well as religious.

Someone who is bent on marrying a muslim woman should just look for areas where the culture doesnt frown on it,imo.

I dont really understand why someone would insist on marrying a person whose culture and relatives are determinedly antagonistic to such.

Wont some physical harm ensue from this type of scenario.

No be person wey dey alive dey do relationship with somebody?

LagosShia:
Calling Jesus (as) a prophet is not blasphemy.if they think muslims calling Jesus (as) a prophet and if there are blasphemy laws in the UK,islam would be banned,then the bible too would be banned in the UK (for calling Jesus a prophet)!

Here are places the bible calls Jesus (as) "prophet";and I am yet to see anywhere in the bible Jesus (as) identified himself as "god":

Matthew 21:11
"The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Luke 7:16
"They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."

Luke 24:19
"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people".

John 9:17
"Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."

muslims believing in Jesus (as) as a man and prophet of God is not insult but based on sincere religious belief that can even be found written in the bible calling him "man" (not "god" ) and "prophet".for a reminder early christians were split on the issue of Jesus' nature.it happened the romans adopted what naturally would prevail as the romans held political power.however there is no insult in beliving or disbelieving.non-muslims don't believe in Muhammad (sa) because they're not convinced he's a true prophet of God.and I'm not offended by that.so freedom to believe or disbelieve shouldn't be confused for blasphemy,insult,provocation,slander or defamation.


Give them examples of places where Islam was ruling but the other religions remained to this day.

In india,the muslims ruled for centuries but the hindus remained a majority.

In the levant (syria,palestine and lebanon),christianity survived.

In spain,muslims saved the jews from christian anti-semitism.

Now take mozambique,the philippines and spain where christianity took over and muslims suffered persecution.

You can also argue that tolerance is not objective but atimes subjective.people always want to be pleased.and you can't please everyone all times.


A muslim man is only allowed to marry christian and jewish women alongside muslim women.muslim men cannot marry atheists or hindus.

The woman is the giver and carrier of life.if you take our women then the children would not be hers.

This law isn't meant to please non-muslims.if they don't like it,then they are free too to control their daughters from our boys and they should stay away from our girls.if I'm not mistaken,do jewish women marry non-jews? I doubt.so why all the noise about Islam?


Silly people!

Joke and "freedom" must be exercised responsibly and not with the intention to purposefully offend others under the guise of "joking".


Are you taking care of her to dash her to a non-muslim who in turn will change or influence her life and give you non-muslim children? Well you can accept a non-muslim if you're ready to invest in her for nothing! Marriage is sacred and therefore when you give your niece to a non-muslim,would it be in church or mosque where the wedding would be conducted?

What about their different lifestyles? How would they reconcile? One party or both would have to compromise on their ways.and that is what muslims don't want to subject their daughters to.if non-muslims don't mind,then its their choice.also if non-muslims are really tolerant and open minded why do they find it hard to embrace islam even for the sake of marrying a muslim woman while concealing their disbelief? Abeg they should go and rest.




Doesn't Allah feel cheated by them following falsehood and their desires? No one is forcing anyone to marry anyone.it is by choice.would a church conduct a wedding if the husband is not christian? For the fact that there is a law in islam to the interest of muslims doesn't mean non-muslims do not have a choice or say in who they accept to marry.and also muslims have the choice not to marry.marriage is by consent.so the law is no compulsion.its only a guideline.and finally what right or business does a non-muslim have to dictate how laws should be in islam? Isn't that infringement?

My two issues with your answers are

1) The marriage of non muslims

2) Jesus (PBUH) being god in Christianity.

LagosShia;
This law isn't meant to please non-muslims.if they don't like it.......

That is quite an intolerant statement. When debating with someone and you say "that is the rule and I don't care if you like it or not", you are just being stubborn and unreasonable. The non-muslims really dealt with us. You are saying the same thing that a muslim debater said and the non-muslims made mockery out of him. You can not just tell people that they cant marry your women but you can marry theirs. This is one thing that is making me lose my faith.

My landlord who gave me 3 months rent free because I helped the son to find a job in my workplace is an igbo man who married a Hausa muslim. He is one of the kindest men I know and his wife is the most humble woman I have ever known. She always willing to cook for me and my family. What would you do in my situation?
Would you start pocknosing in their business and asking the wife how she raises her children in the islamic faith when she has never troubled you?




Concerning Jesus, christians believe that Jesus is God. You went ahead to quote the bible out of context to say that he is only a prophet. You are remixing another person's religion by force to meet your own religious doctrine. When they say Islam is intolerant, you would be complaining.


Sorry if I am harsh on you. The non-muslims in my workplace made fools out of our muslim debaters and used similar arguments to the ones that I have just put.

Sweetnecta: @Bbdulsleek:

@ Sweetnecta


You are not logically defending your position concerning non-muslim marriage. As I have told LagosShia, you can not tell someone that you can marry is women but he can not marry your women. You only end up looking like a cheating bigot. Can you explain why there are non-muslim men who have long lasting marriages with devout muslim women and live a happy life? My landlord is an example.

My niece can marry who she wants. It is her right. I am not the honour killing type. I only advice her to marry a man that can care for her financially, is respnsible and loves her.

tpia@:
The issue of marriage arises because Islam is cultural as well as religious.

Someone who is bent on marrying a muslim woman should just look for areas where the culture doesnt frown on it,imo.

I dont really understand why someone would insist on marrying a person whose culture and relatives are determinedly antagonistic to such.

Wont some physical harm ensue from this type of scenario.

No be person wey dey alive dey do relationship with somebody?

Your first sentence betrays you. I can take a guess that you havent read the Quran or you are not a muslim?

AbdulSleek:



My two issues with your answers are

1) The marriage of non muslims

2) Jesus (PBUH) being god in Christianity.




That is quite an intolerant statement. When debating with someone and you say "that is the rule and I don't care if you like it or not", you are just being stubborn and unreasonable. The non-muslims really dealt with us. You are saying the same thing that a muslim debater said and the non-muslims made mockery out of him. You can not just tell people that they cant marry your women but you can marry theirs. This is one thing that is making me lose my faith.

My landlord who gave me 3 months rent free because I helped the son to find a job in my workplace is an igbo man who married a Hausa muslim. He is one of the kindest men I know and his wife is the most humble woman I have ever known. She always willing to cook for me and my family. What would you do in my situation?
Would you start pocknosing in their business and asking the wife how she raises her children in the islamic faith when she has never troubled you?




Concerning Jesus, christians believe that Jesus is God. You went ahead to quote the bible out of context to say that he is only a prophet. You are remixing another person's religion by force to meet your own religious doctrine. When they say Islam is intolerant, you would be complaining.


Sorry if I am harsh on you. The non-muslims in my workplace made fools out of our muslim debaters and used similar arguments to the ones that I have just put.

Two things:

1.) Non-muslims don't believe in Muhammad (sa) because they believe he's a false prophet.is that blasphemy too?

2.) I wouldn't give my daughter to a non-muslim.its not a personal issue.I don't doubt there are very lovely non-muslims and friendly people.I don't also doubt that financially they can take care of my daughter.but I believe I can also find caring and loving muslims who will marry my daughter and take care of her financially and spiritually too.why settle for less? No one is forcing anyone to marry or not to marry.its their choice.there are christians who would swear not to marry muslims,and so what?

LagosShia:

Two things:

1.) Non-muslims don't believe in Muhammad (sa) because they believe he's a false prophet.is that blasphemy too?

2.) I wouldn't give my daughter to a non-muslim.its not a personal issue.I don't doubt there are very lovely non-muslims and friendly people.I don't also doubt that financially they can take care of my daughter.but I believe I can also find caring and loving muslims who will marry my daughter and take care of her financially and spiritually too.why settle for less? No one is forcing anyone to marry or not to marry.its their choice.there are christians who would swear not to marry muslims,and so what?

1) Non-muslims dont believe in Allah and the rest of the religion automatically follows. Dont start lying against non-muslims because saying that one does not believe in god or alla is not the same as saying that Muhammad (sa) is a false prophet.

Jesus (PBUH) is god in their religion. Islam says that he is not a prophet. Imagine if a kaffir wrote a book saying that Allah is only a prophet, wouldnt that be blasphemy?


2) Your daughter is not your property. If she falls in love with a non-muslim., you have 4 choices

-Dont give your blessings to the marriage. She will hate you
-Disown her if she marries the guy. She will hate you for life
-Honour killing. You will rot in jail and the husband will hate you.
-Accept her choice as a grown woman.


Your choices dont look too good if you dont want non -muslims to marry your daughter.

AbdulSleek:


1) Non-muslims dont believe in Allah and the rest of the religion automatically follows. Dont start lying against non-muslims because saying that one does not believe in god or alla is not the same as saying that Muhammad (sa) is a false prophet.

Jesus (PBUH) is god in their religion. Islam says that he is not a prophet. Imagine if a kaffir wrote a book saying that Allah is only a prophet, wouldnt that be blasphemy?

If there's any place where Allah is called a "man" or a "prophet",and that is a sincere belief held by non-muslims and they believe their salvation depend on it,then it is not blasphemy.

They believe Muhammad (sa) isn't a prophet of God.and I'm not offended.

2) Your daughter is not your property. If she falls in love with a non-muslim., you have 4 choices

-Dont give your blessings to the marriage. She will hate you
-Disown her if she marries the guy. She will hate you for life
-Honour killing. You will rot in jail and the husband will hate you.
-Accept her choice as a grown woman.


Your choices dont look too good if you dont want non -muslims to marry your daughter.

And the fifth option: allow her wish and watch her live a sorrowful life and end up heartbroken without the blessing of Allah (swt).there are too many possibilities but doing the right thing even though difficult or bitter will surely avert many future ills.

True that my daughter is not my property.but in Islam a child in particular a non-married/virgin girl have either her father,brother or husband as her guardian.

AbdulSleek: Salaam everyone!

I have just come back from a formal debate at work where the topic was "Islam blasphemy and tolerance". The non-muslims raised some points that our muslim debaters failed to address. We are having another debate next week friday and I would like some help in countering their points. I myself want to debate. We had fools (Allah forgive me for calling my fellow muslim fools) representing us that could only point fingers at the west rather than stay on topic.

So, I will list some of their points;

1) That islam would be banned if they were to have blasphemy laws in the UK. They said that the christians believe in Jesus (PBUH) as a god but muslims reduce him to only a prophet.

Yes they have quite a good case here. There's even an article about 'how islam would be banned for defamation of other religion. You can read it Here
And yes as lagoshia pointed out, people then thought Jesus was a prophet, but he's more than that.
Matt16:13-17 Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, "who the people say the son of Man is?"
"Some say John the baptist," they answered. "Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some prophets."
What about you?" He asked them. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered "You are the messiah, the son of the Living God"
"God for you simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being but my feather in heaven And this is the stance of most Christians.
For someone to come and say otherwise is slander and defamation. It's blasphemy!

2) That islam is intolerant (Alah forgive them) because islam has not coexisted with any other religion in this present time. They ere complaining that in any islamic country, the minority religion suffers.

Again they're right on point. consider the following:
============= Islam vis a vis other
religions ==============
--slam is the only religion which has
"Shariaat book" which plays the constitution
to implement its political agenda to a nation.
--Islam is the only religion which holds that
other religions must pay its
followers an extortionary tax (Jiziya or poll-
tax) in "humiliation."
--Islam is the only religion which preaches
that reform of its doctrine and
dogma to adapt to changing circumstances
is a grave sin ("bida"

--Islam is the only religion which divides the
world up into two spheres
Land of Warfare "Darul harb" (non-Islamic
nations) and "Darul Islam" (Land of Peace),
and encourages the Land of "Peace" to fight
against the Land of Warfare until it is
completely "subdued".
--Islam is the only religion which expressly
forbids separation of church (or
masjid) and state.
--Islam is the only religion which extracts the
death penalty from any of its
followers who wish to leave it (apostate) -- a
law which, again is unchangeable.
--Islam is the only religion which holds up a
single form of government -- a
non-democratic theocracy headed by a
Khalifa -- as the only legitimate form
of government allowable on earth.
--Islam is the only religion that upholds an
extensive code of jurisprudence
(unchangeable and barbaric and draconian
in many cases) that governs every aspect of
human life, both spiritual and temporal.
--Islam is the only religion that largely forbids
the free practice of other
religions in its midst.
Please consider also these facts:
--They can't get along with Christians in
Nigeria and Sudan
--They can't get along with Eastern Orthodox
in Eastern Europe
--They can't get along with Hindus and
Buddhists in Malaysia
--They can't get along with Hindus in the
Sub-Continent
--They can't get along with Buddhists in
Thailand and Burma
--They can't get along with Catholics in the
Philippines
--They can not get along with majority
Chinese in mainland China
--They can not get along with majority
Russian (Muslims in Chechnya) in Russia
--They can't get along with Jews in the Middle
East
--They can't get along with Coptic Christians
in Egypt
--They can't get along with Christians in
Indonesia
--They can't get along with Ba'hai in Iran
--Shia and Sunni can't get along with each
other very well in Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Bahrain, etc.
--Sunnis can't get along with Ahmadis on the
Sub-Continent and want to
exterminate them.

3) That some of them tried to date women (this is the one that amuses me) that were muslims only to find out that they could not marry the muslim women due to the Quran's stipulation. They were angry that a muslim man is allowed to marry their women. They argue that it is intolerance

According to the Quran , Muslims should NOT marry people who don’t believe in Islam.
Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe. A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though if she attracts you. And not marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe. A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though if he attracts you.( Quran 2:221).
And I’m not even going to get started on the comparison to slaves…
In addition to not allowing interfaith marriages, most families prefer not to even let their children marry anyone from a different country. Even if they are Muslim. They like to keep it within their culture and traditions so they don’t have to worry about “inter-cultural” differences.
Exceptions for Men
The Quran later “revealed” an exception that was directed only to the men. To me, it is more like a contradiction, because it disagrees with the law in theprevious verse. The exception says that men are allowed to marry “people of the book”, generally known as Christians and Jews. I guess they feel that the two religions are close enough to Islam to be considered ok.
Lawful to you in marriage are not only chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book. (Quran 5:5).
What About the Women?
Of course, there is a double standard in Islam…. again. As usual, the women are left behind, because according to Islam, women cannot marry anyone that is not Muslim…. no matter what.
Excuses Given by Muslims
Muslims always come up with many excuses that “explain” why women don’t get the same rules as men. Here are some of the things they say:
*. The man is always the head of the household so his religion is always what the family follows.
*. Women are “weaker” emotionally so if she marries anon-Muslim man, she will be influenced by him and she would be more likely to change her beliefs.
*. When they have kids, they will always go by the fathers religion (I guess they didn’t know that Judaism is based on maternal lineage. The mother determines the religion of the children).
*. They just don’t want to be influenced by non-Muslims.
The Reality – How People Deal withtheir Interfaith Relationships
Because of these religious laws, many couples are faced with making a really difficult decision. They usually have three choices:
1. They can just break it off and forget about getting married.
2. The woman can marry a non-Muslim anyway and face the consequences. I think that in most cases she will be at least disowned, but this can really vary depending on where she lives.
3. The man can “convert” to Islam. That way the woman does not have to choose between her familyand the man she loves. I have to say that this is a popular option, because no one wants to lose their family. It’s just sad….
It just seems that Muslims keep figuring out ways to make life difficult for their people.They have to be in control so they can make sure Islam keeps growing bygaining new converts or having little Mini-Muslims running around. Muslims also think they are better than others so they have this great fear of being “influenced”.
Aren’t we supposed to try to bring people together to make this world a better place? Instead, Islam drives people apart and makes non-Muslims think that they are not worthy.

4) That islam is against freedom of speech. One non-muslim made the others laugh by saying that Islam is boring that they dont even have proper comedians in islamic countries because one false joke about the religion and they are dead.

LOL I don't know about islam being boring
I know it's bunch of rules, there's even one which tells which foot will be used to enter a toilet and the number of stones to be used for...

I too am questioning my faith as a muslim. The non-muslims in my office really hammered point number 3. I pay my niece's university school fees. If she brings back a british boy from university whom she wants to marry that is not muslim, should I stop her? If the boy doesnt convert, do I really have the right to say that she is not a real muslim for marrying a non-muslim?

It seems you already made that your decision since you rejected your bros in islam advices

The non-muslim workers were bitter about this fact. I had to even caution them as they were saying things like "muslims should stick to only their women that dress like ninja if they dont want us to marry their women"

LOL

Yes, they were abusive at times but they had me pondering at this point. Wouldnt the non-muslim feel cheated that someone can freely take his women (assuming they are people of the book) but he cant take theirs?

Do unto others as would have them do unto. Guess 1 religion that doesn't preach this Golden Rule?

Please help me counter these point or leave comments. Thank you very much!

I hope I've been helpful.
Good luck in your debate, you'll definitely need it.

LagosShia:

If there's any place where Allah is called a "man" or a "prophet",and that is a sincere belief held by non-muslims and they believe their salvation depend on it,then it is not blasphemy.

They believe Muhammad (sa) isn't a prophet of God.and I'm not offended.



And the fifth option: allow her wish and watch her live a sorrowful life and end up heartbroken without the blessing of Allah (swt).there are too many possibilities but doing the right thing even though difficult or bitter will surely avert many future ills.

True that my daughter is not my property.but in Islam a child in particular a non-married/virgin girl have either her father,brother or husband as her guardian.

Just admit that you are wrong. This is why the non-muslims make mockery of us. You keep falling into a bigger hole each time.


The guardian nonsense is an example of a Saudi Arabian totalitarian theocracy. Women need guardians. I was raised by only my mother who was the 3rd wife of my father who did not even care about her. My mother left him and raised me by herself and I am an educated man myself. My mother did not take help from anyone as she was the only child.

Women do not need guardians. Especially one like you that wants to control her married life.


My landlord who is a non-muslim married a muslim woman and they live a humble life. They have been married for 20 years with children. Please, how long have you been married? Why would you assume that a non-muslim man and a muslim woman will fail in marriage? Is that not an obvious biased statement not based in reality?

Paris-Love:

It seems you already made that your decision since you rejected your bros in islam advices LOL


Good luck in your debate, you'll definitely need it.

No. I accepted some of their advice. However, some of the advice by my muslim brothers are quite wrong. They are saying the exact same things that my muslim coworkers who were debating said.

Non-muslims make a mockery out of us. Imagine someone saying that "women need guardians". The foolish muslim debaters were saying this while president of the company is a woman that has no husband (divorced). She has been promoted as the head for 3 years as the head director of the company.


I seriously am thinking about my faith. I can not for one believe that Someone can go up to a person and say that "I can marry your women and you cant marry mine, if you dont like it, I dont care, it's the Quran". Isnt that intolerance? The non-muslims were really angry that someone could tell them whom they cant marry. The non-muslims that shout freedom in the west- a muslim wants to restrict his freedom?

I think this Abdulsleek guy is a Christian.

AbdulSleek:


No. I accepted some of their advice. However, some of the advice by my muslim brothers are quite wrong. They are saying the exact same things that my muslim coworkers who were debating said.

Non-muslims make a mockery out of us. Imagine someone saying that "women need guardians". The foolish muslim debaters were saying this while president of the company is a woman that has no husband (divorced). She has been promoted as the head for 3 years as the head director of the company.


I seriously am thinking about my faith. I can not for one believe that Someone can go up to a person and say that "I can marry your women and you cant marry mine, if you dont like it, I dont care, it's the Quran". Isnt that intolerance? The non-muslims were really angry that someone could tell them whom they cant marry. The non-muslims that shout freedom in the west- a muslim wants to restrict his freedom?

That's how the cookie crumbles, you either take it or leave it. I guess you're seeking clarifications. Have you studied the concept of "we hear and we obey"?

Just for clarification,a divorced woman is no longer under her father's guard and becomes independent.I am talking of un-married females and not divorced females like your boss,Mr. AbdulSleek.

I think I'm done with this thread because I don't care about "mockery" of anyone or their ignorance.no time to even waste.I can see an Islamophobe is already in the thread "helping" you to have more doubts based his/her blindness.

If I may add one more point,muslims claim the prophecy in deuteronomy 18:18 about a prophet like Moses (as) to come is Muhammad (sa).christians insist that prophecy is about Jesus (as) and that is also claimed in the books of acts.so christians are also taking part in the "muslim blasphemy" of calling Jesus (as) a "prophet"!

proo212: I think this Abdulsleek guy is a Christian.

How embarrassing. This is why islam is in turmoil. When a muslim complains about a certain practice, there are some that will listen and debate and there are some that will just tell the complainant to shut up and stop behaving like a kaffir.


Stop making false accusations. I am a muslim even though I am questioning my faith. If you dont agree with me, then debate or tell my what is wrong with my opinion.

The Quran tells us to use our brain


إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابَّ عِندَ اللّهِ الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لاَ يَعْقِلُونَ

Truly, the worst of all creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf,
the dumb, those who do not use their reason.
Qur'an 8:22

Holy Qur'an 2:120
" Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) till you follow their religion".

Holy Qur'an 68:9
"They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so they (too) would compromise with you.

LagosShia: Just for clarification,a divorced woman is no longer under her father's guard and becomes independent.I am talking of un-married females and not divorced females like your boss,Mr. AbdulSleek.

I think I'm done with this thread because I don't care about "mockery" of anyone or their ignorance.no time to even waste.I can see an Islamophobe is already in the thread "helping" you to have more doubts based his/her blindness.

If I may add one more point,muslims claim the prophecy in deuteronomy 18:18 about a prophet like Moses (as) to come is Muhammad (sa).christians insist that prophecy is about Jesus (as) and that is also claimed in the books of acts.so christians are also taking part in the "muslim blasphemy" of calling Jesus (as) a "prophet"!

Under her father's guard? What of she has no father? You then transfer her life to her uncle? Then the uncle die, you tranfer yo her brother or to her male cousin?

Why not stop this barbaric practice and remove guardianship. Do you understand Arabic? Are you reading a false version of the Quran? When the Quran says men are the guardians of women, it doesnt mean that men are the "daddies" of women. We protect them but we dont control their lives.





And keep telling us how you know more about the bible than christians. I am not a christian and for you to lay a charge on christians that they blaspheme their own god (Jesus (PBUH)) shows that you are an anti-christian bigot. You hve the nerve to call someone an islamophobe? Yes the guy might be an islamophobe but you have no moral grounding to call him an islamohpobe.


I said that a having doubts, I did not say that I'm a christian or mushrik.

AbdulSleek:


How embarrassing. This is why islam is in turmoil. When a muslim complains about a certain practice, there are some that will listen and debate and there are some that will just tell the complainant to shut up and stop behaving like a kaffir.


Stop making false accusations. I am a muslim even though I am questioning my faith. If you dont agree with me, then debate or tell my what is wrong with my opinion.

The Quran tells us to use our brain


إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابَّ عِندَ اللّهِ الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لاَ يَعْقِلُونَ

Truly, the worst of all creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf,
the dumb, those who do not use their reason.
Qur'an 8:22

Pro212 is christian.

maclatunji:

That's how the cookie crumbles, you either take it or leave it. I guess you're seeking clarifications. Have you studied the concept of "we hear and we obey"?

Yes, you are right. I am seeking clarifications (if that means an explanation). Please enlighten me on this "hear and obey". The Quran tells us to reason.

LagosShia: Holy Qur'an 2:120
" Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad Peace be upon him) till you follow their religion".

Holy Qur'an 68:9
"They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so they (too) would compromise with you.

Ah, the same christian that used to drive me to the mosque? That is what my landlord did for me before I had my car. He used to go to old peoples clubs on friady and so dropped me on the way. Not all christians are the same. Some burn Qurans, some hate our prophet and some just want to live in peace.

You know, I forgot about this verse. Thanks for reminding me.


I can never be a christian.

LagosShia:

Pro212 is christian.

Oh, I see

AbdulSleek:

Under her father's guard? What of she has no father? You then transfer her life to her uncle? Then the uncle die, you tranfer yo her brother or to her male cousin?

Why not stop this barbaric practice and remove guardianship. Do you understand Arabic? Are you reading a false version of the Quran? When the Quran says men are the guardians of women, it doesnt mean that men are the "daddies" of women. We protect them but we dont control their lives.

So you know men are the "guardians"/"protectors" of women?

Where did I say men are the "daddies" of women?

I think you need to stop making a mockery out of yourself.no one is fighting with you.it is out of favor I'm using my time to participate in your two threads so far.you should stop fighting with yourself.

And keep telling us how you know more about the bible than christians. I am not a christian and for you to lay a charge on christians that they blaspheme their own god (Jesus (PBUH)) shows that you are an anti-christian bigot. You hve the nerve to call someone an islamophobe? Yes the guy might be an islamophobe but you have no moral grounding to call him an islamohpobe.


I said that a having doubts, I did not say that I'm a christian or mushrik.

In the book of acts,it is claimed that the "prophet" (not "god" ) promised in deuteronomy 18:18 is Jesus (as).that must be "blasphemy" too.I'm sorry to say but if you follow the tracks and state of confusion of these people who cannot identify what blasphemy is,you will end up in great misguidance.

AbdulSleek:


Yes, you are right. I am seeking clarifications (if that means an explanation). Please enlighten me on this "hear and obey". The Quran tells us to reason.

Please read the following link, it is not the best presentation because of the limited English of the writer but it does address some of your fear of being ostracized. So, you should find it interesting at the very least http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63800

Yes, the Qur'an asks us to reason but if you don't realise by now that human intellect is ridiculously deficient when juxtaposed with divine wisdom, then there is a problem.

LagosShia:

So you know men are the "guardians"/"protectors" of women?

Where did I say men are the "daddies" of women?

I think you need to stop making a mockery out of yourself.no one is fighting with you.it is out of favor I'm using my time to participate in your two threads so far.you should stop fighting with yourself.



In the book of acts,it is claimed that the "prophet" (not "god" ) promised in deuteronomy 18:18 is Jesus (as).that must be "blasphemy" too.I'm sorry to say but if you follow the tracks and state of confusion of these people who cannot identify what blasphemy is,you will end up in great misguidance.

Sorry. I am sorry.

As you can see, I am still angry from the debate. Maybe I am putting my anger on you and others who have answered my questions. The problem is that the debate and situation in my office really affected me. You should have seen it. It was like an execution of islam. Anytime the muslim debaters made a point, it was met with sarcastic laughter as they were not making any points at all.

Let me give you a clear example.

When asked about non-muslim men getting married to muslim women, the muslim debaters were straightforward;

"The Quran allows a muslim man to marry a woman of the book in certain conditions but a muslim woman can not marry a non muslim. That is the position and it will not change."


Then the non-muslim debater came with his own rebuttal;

"Two can play your stupid game. The bible state that we should stone heretics which would include muslims. That is the position and it will not change (Everyone burst into laughter at this point). Anyone can state what is in a book- defending the statement logically is the key. My fellow debaters and co-workers, our muslim friend here has failed to defend his position on non-muslim marriage". (rapturous applause rom the audience)



Defending a statement logically is what matters.

AbdulSleek:





Sorry. I am sorry.

As you can see, I am still angry from the debate. Maybe I am putting my anger on you and others who have answered my questions. The problem is that the debate and situation in my office really affected me. You should have seen it. It was like an execution of islam. Anytime the muslim debaters made a point, it was met with sarcastic laughter as they were not making any points at all.

Let me give you a clear example.

When asked about non-muslim men getting married to muslim women, the muslim debaters were straightforward;

"The Quran allows a muslim man to marry a woman of the book in certain conditions but a muslim woman can not marry a non muslim. That is the position and it will not change."


Then the non-muslim debater came with his own rebuttal;

"Two can play your stupid game. The bible state that we should stone heretics which would include muslims. That is the position and it will not change (Everyone burst into laughter at this point). Anyone can state what is in a book- defending the statement logically is the key. My fellow debaters and co-workers, our muslim friend here has failed to defend his position on non-muslim marriage". (rapturous applause rom the audience)



Defending a statement logically is what matters.

You shouldn't let this or the inability of the muslims there to defend their beliefs play into your head.

These are just arguments.if I sit down to think deep for a few minutes I can come up with counter-arguments why Islam insists not giving its women to non-muslim men.

This debate in your workplace is more or less a comedy show.they are using psychology to debase the muslims.if I were there I would as well have laughed along with them instead of feeling down.protecting our women from losing or compromising their faith that could result in subjecting them to marry non-muslim men isn't meant to please those clowns.if they feel bad,too bad.in reality how many white british men would even marry arab christian women? You have to see beyond the show they're putting talking about "fairness" and "tolerance".they are only being argumentative on this point to bring out their prejudice against Islam in a tactical way.

maclatunji:

Please read the following link, it is not the best presentation because of the limited English of the writer but it does address some of your fear of being ostracized. So, you should find it interesting at the very least http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63800

Yes, the Qur'an asks us to reason but if you don't realise by now that human intellect is ridiculously deficient when juxtaposed with divine wisdom, then there is a problem.

I understand what your link is trying to say.

I guess at the end, my involvement with the capitalist lifestyle has gotten a hold of me. after working in my company for years, I am well trained to see the rational sides of things and take the most logical route. I was in the marketing department before. We used numbers and figures to decide where we spend our marketing funds. We always took the logical route. We took the routes with less risks if they guaranteed enough returns. We convinced managers to choose our products with logical arguments. "the figures say that by using our financial services, you will save 20% of costs and be at least 33% more efficient- no ther company can guarantee you such a promise".


Now, someone asks me to trust in faith. I have been a faithful man all my life. There comes a time as a muslim where you are left with a rational choice and a choice to put your issue on faith..........


I dont know if you can see my problem

LagosShia:

You shouldn't let this or the inability of the muslims there to defend their beliefs play into your head.

These are just arguments.if I sit down to think deep for a few minutes I can come up with counter-arguments why Islam insists not giving its women to non-muslim men.

This debate in your workplace is more or less a comedy show.they are using psychology to debase the muslims.if I were there I would as well have laughed along with them instead of feeling down.protecting our women from losing or compromising their faith that could result in subjecting them to marry non-muslim men isn't meant to please those clowns.if they feel bad,too bad.in reality how many white british men would even marry arab christian women? You have to see beyond the show they're putting talking about "fairness" and "tolerance".they are only being argumentative on this point to bring out their prejudice against Islam in a tactical way.

I have seen a lot of interracial and inter-religious marriages here in London. Can you please give me your counterargument for non-muslim marriage?


Let's see how good you are

[b] "I would like to know why a woman is not allowed to marry a non-Muslim man while a Muslim man can marry a Jewish or Christian lady? What is the wisdom of that? Jazakum Allah khayran". [/b]

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.

First of all, it is to be stressed that Islam does not encourage the interfaith marriages. The general rule of Islam is that Muslims should marry Muslims. A Muslim male or female should not marry a non-Muslim male or female. The only exception is given to Muslim men who are allowed to marry the chaste girls from among the People of the Book.

However, a Muslim woman is better suited to a Muslim man than a woman of Christian or Jewish faith, regardless of her merits. This is because marriage is not based on fulfilling one’s sexual desires; rather, it is an institution. It aims to establish a home on the bases of tranquility, faith and Islamic morals. To fulfil this task, the whole family must apply Allah’s course and try to convey His message.

It is obvious that Islam made it impermissible for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim with aim of keeping her away from things that may jeopardize her faith. In fact, Islam aims at protecting religion. To achieve this goal, it prohibits a Muslim from being involved in something that represents a threat to his religion. A Muslim woman will not feel that her religion is secure while being with a Jewish or a Christian husband especially as the majority of the People of the Book do not show due respect to our Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Allah Almighty says: “And the Jews will not be pleased with thee, nor will the Christians, till thou follow their creed. Say: Lo! The guidance of Allah (Himself) is Guidance. And if thou shouldst follow their desires after the knowledge which hath come unto thee, then wouldst thou have from Allah no protecting friend nor helper.” (Al-Baqarah: 120)

Given the fact that the husband is generally the head of the household, it's not far-fetched for a non-Muslim husband to prevent his Muslim wife from performing some Islamic rituals which may seem a nuisance to him, for example fasting, or even refraining from marital relations during the fast. As a result, he might force her to change her religion, and if she refuses, the situation may culminate in divorce.
As for why Islam allows a Muslim man to marry a Christian or Jewish woman, it's clear that every Muslim believes in Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) and he holds all the Prophets of Allah in high esteem. Thus a Muslim finds no harm in his wife’s being a Christian or a Jew, for the spirit of tolerance Islam holds for other religions is ingrained in him.

In his response to the question you raised, the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti, member of the North American Fiqh Council, states:

"If Allah is the one who prohibits a Muslim woman from marrying a non-Muslim, then we as Muslims are supposed to believe it and to take it. As a matter of faith, you cannot become a Muslim unless you accept everything when it is ordained by Allah or carried out by his Messenger. The Qur'an says, "O Ye who believe! Put not yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger…" (Al-Hujurat: )

If you ask about the benefits of not marrying a non-Muslim, we can count you many reasons. A man is the manager of his household. He will persecute his Muslim wife in many dos and don'ts. She can hardly guarantee that kind of operation. Moreover, marriage is an institution for elevating our levels of having a good Islamic life. Pleasing Allah is our number one goal. If a woman is married to a non-Muslim, maybe the only thing she will accomplish in her marital life is what is good for livestock."

Shedding more light on the question, we'd like to cite the words of the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheik Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, in his well-known book, The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam:

"It is haram for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man, regardless of whether he is of the People of the Book or not. We have already mentioned the saying of Allah, "...and do not marry (your girls) to idolaters until they believe..." (Al-Baqarah: 221)

And He said concerning the immigrant Muslim women: "Then if you know them to be Believers, do not send them back to the unbelievers. They are not lawful for them (as wives), nor are they lawful for them (as husbands)." (Al-Mumtahanah: 10)

No text exists which makes exceptions for the People of the Book. Hence, on the basis of the above verses, there is a consensus among Muslims concerning this prohibition.

Thus, while a Muslim man is permitted to marry a Christian or Jewish woman, a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a Christian or Jewish man. There are many sound reasons for this difference. First, the man is the head of the household, the one who maintains the family, and he is responsible for his wife. And while Islam guarantees freedom of belief and practice to the Christian or Jewish wife of a Muslim, safeguarding her rights according to her own faith, other religions, such as Judaism and Christianity, do not guarantee the wife of a different faith freedom of belief and practice, nor do they safeguard her rights. Since this is the case, how can Islam take chances on the future of its daughters by giving them into the hands of people who neither honor their religion nor are concerned to protect their rights?

A marriage between a man and woman of different faiths can be based only on the husband's respect for his wife's beliefs; otherwise a good relationship can never develop. Now, the Muslim believes that both Judaism and Christianity originated in divine revelation, although later distortions were introduced into them. He also believes that God revealed the Tawrah to Moses and the Injeel to Jesus, and that both Moses and Jesus (peace be on them) were among the Messengers of Allah who were distinguished by their steadfast determination. Accordingly, the Christian or Jewish wife of a Muslim lives under the protection of a man who respects the basic tenets of her faith, her Scripture, and her Prophets, while in contrast to this the Jew or Christian recognizes neither the Divine origin of Islam, its Book, or its Prophet (peace be on him). How then could a Muslim woman live with such a man, while her religion requires of her the observance of certain worships, duties, and obligations, as well as certain prohibitions. It would be impossible for the Muslim woman to retain her respect for her beliefs as well as to practice her religion properly if she were opposed in this regard by the master of the house at every step.

It will be realized from this that Islam is consistent with itself in prohibiting the Muslim man to marry a mushrik (polytheist) woman, for since Islam is absolutely opposed to shirk (polytheism), it would obviously be impossible for two such people to live together in harmony and love."

Allah Almighty knows best.

http://www.islamawareness.net/Marriage/fatwa_10.html

After that we started discussing these problems through lectures, and side discussions. In this article, I discuss only one issue, that is, why doesn’t Islam treat man, and woman evenly? Islam forbids a Muslim woman from marrying a non-Muslim man, and allows a Muslim man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman.

During the conversation, I started by explaining that the main principle in Islam is the equality in belief between the husband and his wife. This equality and consistency help in making their marriage successful.

Allowing a Muslim man to marry a Christian or a Jewish woman, is an exceptional rule applied under special circumstances. And when a Muslim man marries a Christian or a Jewish woman, there is no problem, because he believes in all prophets, and all holy books. There will be no problem between him and his wife in this matter, especially that his religion -Islam- commands him to be fair with his wife even if she were Christian or Jewish. And any Muslim man going through such marriage should have strong belief in his faith, and should strongly abide by his religion.

The reason for forbidding a Muslim woman from marrying a non-Muslim, is that a Christian or a Jewish man believes only in his prophet, and doesn’t believe in prophet Mohamed Salla Allah Allih Wa Salam or any of the other prophets (blessing be upon them).

For example, when this Muslim woman, tries to teach her kids to love and respect all prophets and believe in all of them, her non-Muslim husband will not agree, because he believes only in his prophet. He will interfere in the way she raises her kids, and prevents her from raising them in an Islamic way. And here comes the real problem, because she will have only two options, whether she leaves the whole thing as it is, and does nothing about it -which will be an insult to her religion- or she argues about the matter, and this will sure lead to more marital problems.

On the other hand, there will be no such problems between a Muslim husband, and a non Muslim wife, because if this wife tried to teach her kids to love and believe in her prophet, her Muslim husband will not refuse that because he already believes in her prophet and all prophets. This is why Islam allows the marriage between Muslim man and non-Muslim woman, and forbids the marriage between Muslim woman, and non-Muslim man. Because Islam respects the marital relationship and wants to guarantee its stability, not because it respects men, and disrespects women …

Discussing these issues with the westerners is so important, so that they get to know Islam better, and understand the logic behind social rules, and issues.

One of the nice stories mentioned in the conference, was a story of a Muslim girl when her school was celebrating Christmas. She was blamed for not celebrating her prophet’s birthday as they do. Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala inspired her with a very smart answer. She said to her teachers and her friends, “you believe only in one prophet, but we Muslims, respect and believe in all prophets. If we tried to celebrate all the prophets’ birthdays then everyday of the year would be a feast for us.” They were all astounded by her brilliant answer.

http://sisters.islamway.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=230